Haredim Weigh Dissolving Knesset Over Failure to Pass Draft Exemption Bill

Following the government’s failure to pass legislation exempting yeshiva students from military service, the leaders of the country’s two ultra-Orthodox parties are now actively discussing the possibility of withdrawing from the coalition.

Both the Shas and United Torah Judaism (UTJ) parties had demanded the passage of the controversial military draft legislation by the Shavuot holiday, which began on June 1, warning that any delay would endanger the government’s continued existence.

While the ultra-Orthodox have repeatedly backed down from previous ultimatums, recent developments have seen their relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approaching a breaking point.

UTJ is weighing steps ranging from "completely paralyzing the coalition" to submitting a bill to dissolve the Knesset.

The party’s ruling Council of Torah Sages is expected to meet to discuss the party’s next steps and update its MKs with "a dramatic ruling." (JP/VFI News)

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